Bighearted Cowboy (Tarnation, Texas Book 5)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “I can help you climb on.”

  Holding out her cup, he didn’t take it. Instead, he took her free hand. His callused knuckles scraped her palm and she inhaled sharply, surprised at the flowing of sensations. With his help, she climbed into the passenger seat, careful not to spill her coffee. Once she settled into the comfortable leather and clicked her seat belt into place, she watched him round the front. He slipped off his hat, opened the door and climbed in, placing his cup in the holder in the console. His phone lit up and she saw the screensaver and felt her breath swoosh from her lungs. The picture was of Brennan and a beautiful dark-haired woman. They were standing next to a horse.

  “Is that your girlfriend?” the words tumbled out on their own accord.

  “Her?” He picked up the phone, clicked a button that brought the picture into view again. He chuckled and swiped a hand down his whiskered jaw. “No. That’s Janie. One of my best friends back home.”

  “She’s gorgeous.”

  “Yes she is, and her wife thinks so too.”

  Charlotte smiled. “I’m sorry. I guess it’s just natural to assume…”

  “You wouldn’t be the first. Janie and I’ve been buddies since we were in diapers. It’s true that a man and woman can just be friends.”

  “Oh, I totally agree. Do you miss her? Your home and other friends?”

  “Yeah, I do. How about you? You miss Ohio?”

  “I miss my friend Bristol. We met in nursing school and she became the closest thing to a sister that I’ve ever had.”

  “Do you think you’ll ever go back?” He pulled out onto the road.

  “I don’t know. How about you?”

  “I think so, but I’ve grown to love Grinning Spurs, and Tarnation.”

  She felt comfortable with the air flowing from the vents and his masculine scent teasing her nostrils. “Why are you here? I get the feeling it’s not by choice.” When he didn’t answer, she looked over at him, seeing the tight set of his jaw. Had she struck a nerve? “Sorry, I’m prying.”

  “If I tell you the truth you might never want to speak to me again.”

  She laughed. “Trust me, we all have secrets.”

  “You’re right. I’m not here voluntarily.”

  Looking out the window she saw two men sitting on the bench whittling wood. They waved and she waved back. “Does this have something to do with your father?”

  There was that hesitation again.

  Turning her attention back to him, he gave her a narrowed eye. “What did you hear?”

  “Betty Sue said that your father passed away and you and your brothers showed up.”

  The creases around his eyes smoothed some. She realized there was a lot of painful history between Brennan and his late father.

  “Buzz left Baxter and me when we were kids. In fact, we lived most of our lives having no clue that we had three brothers. Or that our father still owned our homestead. When Buzz died, his attorney, Roe Robins, I don’t know if you’ve met him yet, contacted us. We would have just gone on with our lives, but Roe told us we needed to come here to finalize some paperwork. That’s when Baxter and I learned all the interesting facts.”

  “You mean in Buzz’s will?”

  He nodded. “We met our brothers for the first time and learned if we wanted to keep our homesteads we had to live at Grinning Spurs and the five of us work it together for six months.”

  “Yikes. That’s crazy. So I guess obviously you all agreed.”

  “Yeah, we did. But believe it or not, that’s not all.”

  “There’s more?”

  “We also have learned that we have a baby brother that Buzz fathered with a woman here in Tarnation.”

  It took her a moment to wrap her brain around what he was saying. “I can’t imagine.”

  “We also must marry before six months is up.”

  She laughed but when he didn’t crack a smile, she asked, “Are you serious?”

  “Trust me, I wouldn’t joke about something like this.” He smiled. “Don’t worry. You don’t have to come up with something to say. I understand. What is there to say?”

  “I’m sorry, Brennan. That’s a lot for me to wrap my head around so I can’t even grasp how much of a shock this must be for you and your brothers.” And here she thought Lucy liked to control things a little too much. She felt the need to connect with him deeper. “When I was taken away and sent to live with my aunt Lucy I lost a lot of trust for people. I can’t say that I understand what you must be going through, but I do get how it feels to lose a parent.”

  “Do you feel the need to get away from me as fast as you can?”

  “No.”

  “Okay.” He pulled into the parking lot of the clinic and shut off the engine.

  “I guess I better get inside to start my shift.”

  “Thanks for listening.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  After dropping Charlotte off, Brennan drove around the block and parked in front of a row of shops. He wanted to get Charlotte a real birthday present. He didn’t know a lot about her or what she liked or needed, but he did know she was far away from home and she didn’t seem to have a lot of family. At least he had his brothers.

  Stepping through the glass door of a shop that boasted they had something for every woman, he inhaled a strong floral scent and glanced from left to right. He cringed. He was surrounded by glass, and more glass, and a man his size couldn’t trust himself that he wouldn’t break something. He’d never been in a store that had all these pretty, delicate things. When he was little, his mother would tell him before they entered a store to keep his hands to himself. Well, with that bit of advice in his mind, he took a few more steps. Brennan couldn’t have been more uncomfortable than an elephant walking on eggs. Large, clumsy hands like his weren’t made for touching shiny objects.

  He examined a rack of items, running one finger down the soft material of a scarf that had many colors. Further into the store he found a variety of perfume bottles sitting decoratively on a glass shelf. Carefully, he picked one up and sniffed. Eck. Too strong. Another, too floral. By the fifth bottle, he found one that he liked. It was a mellow scent of vanilla.

  “Good afternoon.”

  As if caught burglarizing the place, he jumped and accidently pressed the nozzle of the bottle which scent a spray of the perfume all over his face. “Shit!” He swiped his hand down his face, sputtering and coughing.

  “That’s one of our best-selling scents,” the petite brunette approached him. Her nose wrinkled and she waved her hand in front of her face. “I should recommend that just one light spray will do.” She took the bottle from him and replaced it on the shelf. “I’m Pam. Is there something I can help you find?”

  Hell if he knew. “I’m looking for a birthday present.”

  “For a wife? Girlfriend? Mother? Other?”

  He didn’t understand why that mattered, and honestly, he didn’t know how to describe his relationship with Charlotte. Friend didn’t seem to define how he felt about her. Janie was a friend. Charlotte was something more.

  Pam must have sensed his challenge. “Is this someone you’d like to get to know better?”

  “Yes. You’re good at your job.”

  She smiled. “Years of experience. Okay. A love interest then.”

  Love? He didn’t say love, did he?

  The woman pressed her hands together as if she’d been given a juicy task. “Does she like perfume? Or maybe one of our silk scarves that are all the rage right now. They’re as soft as a baby’s bottom.” She reached for one of the mentioned items and held it up for his consideration.

  “I’m not sure.” He realized he hadn’t thought this idea out very far.

  “Hmm. All right.” She replaced the scarf and turned, scanning the shelves, looking for something. “Ooh, jewelry. I have some pretty items that just arrived this morning. Come with me.”

  He followed her between two shelves.

  She held out a red velvet box
and opened the lid. Inside was a sparkling diamond heart necklace that reminded him of Charlotte’s amazing eyes. However, it was probably a bit too much.

  “Did I mention we barely know one another?”

  With a slight disgruntled expression, the woman chose another box and inside was another necklace, this time with a delicate circle pendant that was both simple yet nice. “This fits into friendship with intention.”

  He liked it. “I think this might work.”

  “Shall I wrap it for you?”

  “Yes.” Then he’d get out of the shop before he did exactly what the sign on the wall read, “You break you buy.” That could get expensive.

  “I’ll meet you at the register.”

  He pulled out his wallet, paid using cash, and while the shop owner went to take care of wrapping the necklace, he eased himself down the narrow pathway between shelves of expensive looking ornaments and potted succulent plants. Before he knew it, he’d found himself standing in front of a display of books. He picked one up and opened the cover, flipping through the pages he came to an illustration of a man and woman in a sexual position. He flipped it back to the cover and read, “How to reach a better orgasm.” Holy smokes!

  “Would you like the book too?”

  Pam asked from behind him. He jumped. What did she have? Ninja powers? “No. I’ll pass.” He replaced the book and took the small bag from her. “Thank you.”

  “Thank you.” The shop owner gave him a knowing smile.

  He made his exit with his purchase and headed down the sidewalk, focus straight ahead.

  “Hey, hold up!” a familiar voice said from nearby.

  Looking up, he smiled. “Hi, Betty Sue.”

  She was standing in the doorway to her studio. “Fancy seeing you again today. When are you coming back for a massage?”

  “I’ve been a bit busy here lately.”

  “That you have. Are you in a hurry?”

  “I have a few minutes.”

  “Come on inside, Cowboy. It’ll only be a minute.”

  He stepped into the shop, hoping Betty Sue didn’t ask what was inside the bag.

  Inside were rows of lit candles and soft music playing.

  Betty Sue slid her hands into the back pockets of her cut off jean shorts and tilted a hip. Her crimson lips pursed, and her long earrings clanked. “Thank you for helping Charlotte out today. You’re a saint.”

  “Glad I could help but I’m certainly not a saint.”

  Her gaze settled on the bag. “Whatya got there, handsome?”

  The truth had a way of working itself to light. “A gift. For Charlotte. For her birthday.”

  A brilliant smile erupted over her face. “You really are a bighearted cowboy, aren’t you?”

  “She’s far away from home. I thought she might appreciate the thought.”

  “Oh, she’ll appreciate it, I’m sure. Can you spare me a few minutes? I wanted to speak to you about something.”

  “Sure.”

  He watched her drop down in one of the oversized hammock-like chairs and stretch her long legs, pointing her bright red painted toes. No doubt, she was an attractive woman and knew how to make a man curious, but that’s where it ended for Brennan. “Have a seat, Brennan.”

  “Okay.”

  “You and Charlotte looked mighty close this morning.”

  “If you’re worried about my intentions—”

  Her laughter cut him off. “Your intentions? Not in the slightest. Has she told you much about her childhood?”

  He shrugged. “A little.”

  “She’s been through a lot. She came here to get away from an aunt who was draining her, and still is.” Betty Sue sighed in irritation. “Charlotte still sends her aunt money to help her out.”

  “She’s a caring woman, for sure.” He’d learned a lot about Charlotte and the more he got to know the more he liked her.

  “You betcha.” She shifted and pulled her knees against her chest. “I have a problem I need help with and I think you’re the man for the job.”

  “What kind of help?”

  She hesitated and smiled. “I need your talent.”

  “Talent?” He laughed. “Wrong cowboy.”

  “No, I don’t think so. If I said you’d get to spend more time with my cousin does that entice you a wee bit?” She raised a thin brow.

  He ran his palms down his face. “How can I help?”

  “I’ve been working with the fundraising committee to put on a benefit for the new firehouse.”

  “I think I saw a flyer. Is that the one for next week?”

  “Yes, that’s the one. You see.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I have plans to leave town and I still have a few donations to gather from donors. There isn’t anything to it, just drop by and grab the donation.”

  He scratched his cheek. “And how does this get me closer to Charlotte?”

  “She’s helping too.”

  “She is?”

  “Yes. You both could work together.”

  “I’ve never done anything quite like this,” he said.

  “There’s nothing to it.”

  “What would Charlotte think?”

  “Maybe I was wrong. Maybe you’re not interested—”

  “Wait. I’m interested.” He liked the idea of spending more time with Charlotte.

  “So you do find her attractive.”

  “No. I mean, yes, I find her attractive, but—”

  “Are there any buts? Really?” She nailed him with a pensive glare.

  “No.”

  “Look, I like you, Brennan. I think you’re a terrific man, exactly the type that Charlotte needs.”

  “Are you attempting to fix us up?”

  “Yes,” she blurted.

  “At least you’re honest.”

  She cleared her throat. “Interested?”

  “I’m very interested but Charlotte has a mind of her own. And this is between her and I.”

  With a nonchalant sigh, Betty Sue shrugged. “If that’s how you feel.”

  He sat motionless, expressionless. “I have to go.”

  “Of course. I don’t want to keep you.”

  He pushed up from the cushion and marched toward the door then he heard Betty Sue say, “Think about it, Brennan.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Charlotte took her dinner and sat down in the break room. She’d just opened the container to the southwestern salad when Meka sat down at the table, humming a tune. They’d become close friends over the last month and worked well together.

  “Charlotte, I know I’ve said this before, but you are amazing with kids.”

  “Thank you. I enjoy working with children.”

  Meka opened the lid to the box of pizza loaded with meat and cheese and Charlotte’s mouth salivated. “I wish I could eat like you and never gain a pound.” She stabbed a piece of lettuce and munched on the crisp vegetable while ogling the cheesy pie.

  “Want a slice?”

  “No thanks. I’ll stick with my salad.” She smiled. “How was your date last night?”

  “Astonishing. Fabulous. We had such a great time.” She sighed longingly and popped a piece of sausage into her mouth.

  “I’m happy for you.” Seeing the sudden concern on the other woman’s face, Charlotte set her fork down. “Is something wrong?”

  Meka hesitated then gave a half shrug. “There’s something I haven’t told anyone yet.” She dropped her slice back into the cardboard.

  “I’m all ears if you need to speak to someone.”

  “I don’t want anyone else here to know yet.” She leaned forward. “I can trust you, right?”

  “Of course. Are you okay?” Charlotte’s stomach twisted. Whatever it was it seemed serious.

  Reaching into the front pocket of her scrubs, Meka took out a folded piece of paper. She unfolded it and pressed out the wrinkles then handed it over.

  Charlotte read the letter then gave Meka a half-smile, unsure of how to
respond to the news. “You’re pregnant?”

  Several expressions flitted over her heart shaped face. “I’m ten weeks along. I found out just last week and I feel like I’m carrying the weight of the world.”

  “Are you happy?”

  She took back the paper and placed it into her pocket. “I’m only twenty-three. I’m still paying off my student loans and living at home. This wasn’t planned. Although I like Randy a lot, I don’t know him that well. Does he even want kids? I’m not even sure I want kids.”

  Charlotte’s heart went out to her friend. “I’m guessing you haven’t spoken to him about the baby yet?”

  Meka slumped into her chair. “No. I don’t know how. Our relationship has been so nice. We’re getting to know each other. This was an accident, but I don’t know how to feel. My mom always told me, “You play you pay’.” She placed her hand over her flat stomach. “When he finds out he might never want to see me again, or be a part of his baby’s life. Then what? I’ll have to do this alone.”

  “So that means you plan to continue with the pregnancy?”

  Meka’s chin snapped up, her eyes filled with unshed moisture. “Should I keep it? What should I do? If you were in my shoes what would you do?”

  Charlotte pushed her salad away and clasped her hands on the table. “I can’t tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. I can give you advice, but you must make the decision in the end. A few years ago, I was seeing someone, my fiancé, and we were practicing safe sex, but the condom broke. I was two weeks late and I jumped to conclusions and believed I was pregnant. I was frantic. I was still in nursing school and had no clue what I’d do with a baby. I finally spoke to him about the situation and although he was understanding, he made it clear that he didn’t want kids…ever. I spent the next week self-reflecting. Did I see myself spending forever with a man who never wanted the things I wanted? Sure, a relationship is about compromise, but kids aren’t one of them. I also knew that if I needed to, I could be a single parent, but thankfully I wasn’t pregnant. The biggest lesson I learned, I want to be sure where I’m headed with someone before I allow a relationship to take that next step. What I’m saying is,” Charlotte patted her friend’s hand. “You need to speak to him. You might not get the response you want or think you deserve, but on the other hand you might learn a lot about yourself and Randy. It’s impossible to know what decision you should make until you and he have a long talk. It won’t be easy, but this isn’t a pregnancy scare. This is the real thing.”